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Braided Swirl Bread with Homemade Chocolate Cream

August 25, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Braided swirl bread not only looks beautiful but tastes delicious as well! Have it for breakfast or dessert paired with cool vanilla ice cream; either way, we guarantee you’ll love this recipe. It’s always fun to make your bread, and it makes a great bonding opportunity with your family, too!

Maybe you try to eat healthily for the most part. You can still reward yourself with homemade braided swirl bread that you can enjoy for days to come. Plus, the chocolate hazelnut cream in the middle makes an effort worth it.

Here’s how to make homemade braided swirl bread with chocolate cream:

Is your sweet tooth calling your name?

Kitchen supplies you’ll need:

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Kitchen towel
Food processor
Large bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Baking table or large cutting board
Rolling pin
Knife
Bread pan
Large pot
Pastry brush

Ingredients for hazelnut spread:

1 cup hazelnuts
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup

Ingredients for braided swirl bread dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp instant yeast
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup warm milk
1/2 cup softened butter

Ingredients for coconut glaze:

3 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp coconut sugar

Directions:

Place the hazelnuts on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Once they’re done, wrap a kitchen towel around them to wring out excess moisture.
Next, please place them in your food processor along with the cocoa powder. Pour in the maple syrup and mix until ingredients are thoroughly blended. Set aside.
Then pour the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and brown sugar into your large bowl. Whisk thoroughly.
Create a small depression in the middle of the flour mixture to place the egg in. Add the warm milk and use a small spatula to mix up only the milk and egg.
Now knead the dough for your braided swirl bread, folding it over vertically and horizontally several times.
Next, add the softened butter and continue kneading the dough for about five more minutes.
Sprinkle some flour on a large cutting board or baking table to transfer the dough too. Sprinkle more flour on the dough and knead it for 5-10 minutes longer until you form a ball shape.
Add a little more flour to the table and dough, and get out your rolling pin. Transfer some of the flour onto the rolling pin, rolling it until you get an oval shape. Flip it over and roll the other side.
Now, use a spatula to spread the hazelnut mixture onto the dough. Leave about 1/2-1 inch of space along the edges.
Next, roll the dough and hazelnut spread widthwise, so it forms a long, cylindrical shape. It should resemble a skinny sub sandwich. Pat it down along the sides and top to even it out.
With a large knife, cut down the middle of the dough, so you have two “ropes.”
Pinch the top of each rope together, then braid them three times. Pinch the bottoms of each half together, then pat down the tops and sides to compress it, so it fits in your bread pan.
Line the bread pan with parchment paper, place the dough inside, and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for approximately one hour.
After the dough rises, bake it at 375 degrees F for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown.
In a large pot, cook the coconut oil and coconut sugar on low heat. Stir until blended, and just when it starts boiling, remove from the heat.
Use your pastry brush to coat the top of the braided swirl bread in the coconut oil/sugar mixture. Top the bread with crushed hazelnuts, almonds, or whatever topping you prefer. Enjoy!

Baking tips for making the best braided swirl bread you’ve ever had:

We gave the simplified version for braiding bread; most involve three different “ropes” instead of two. However, if you’re a beginner, you’ll probably want to stick with the basic version before moving on to 2.0.
You can use any dough you prefer to make braided bread. In fact, you can even buy pre-made dough at the store to reduce the prep on days you’re short on time.
If you have a bigger baking sheet, you can braid the dough directly on it if you prefer. This way, you don’t have to move the dough and risk it breaking or stretching when it’s done.
Feel free to make any glaze you want – we just went with coconut because it pairs well with chocolate and hazelnut. Other popular, yummy glaze ideas include vanilla, pumpkin, or maple.
Not a fan of almonds? Other toppings that you may enjoy include crushed walnuts, coconut or chocolate shavings, or hazelnuts.
The bread stores best in the fridge for several days, but you can also freeze it for up to two months.
If you want to cut down on the sugar, use substitutes like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
Want to make a vegan version? Popular egg substitutes include flaxseeds, applesauce, tofu, or even sweet potatoes! For the butter, use vegan butter, coconut butter, or yogurt.

Final thoughts on making this delicious braided swirl bread with homemade chocolate cream

Indeed, baking your own bread takes you back to the old days where life seemed to move much slower. Before restaurants and fast food came into existence, people had to bake and cook for themselves. In these crazy times, baking this braided swirl bread can help you reconnect to yourself and uplift your spirits. There’s nothing like some good ol’ baking therapy to help you feel better, especially when you get to indulge in your creation afterward.

Many people today like to save time and opt for takeout or pre-baked goods instead. While that’s totally understandable, it doesn’t beat something you poured love and elbow grease into. We sincerely hope you enjoy baking this bread; let us know how you liked it!

8 Positive Ways To Cope When Life Gets Tough

August 25, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

By now, you’ll be primarily used to life throwing challenges at you, but there can still be times when it’s all too much. Being exhausted and put upon makes it feel like things are going out of control. What you’ve got to do is steel up, find your positivity, and adapt to the turbulence of life. With enough soul-searching, you’ll learn to be stubbornly resourceful and indomitable when life gets tough.

Here are eight positive ways to cope when you face difficult times.

1. Relive Your Good Memories

Through positive thinking, you can immerse yourself in the past, drawing strength from your best memories. Appreciating them can make it feel all the more possible to have good times in the present. Be encouraged, knowing that your well-being is worth fighting for.

· Comforts Of The Past

Research shows that getting nostalgic is good for you. This kind of reminiscence increases one’s feeling of social support, counteracting loneliness. The most resilient people are more likely to use nostalgia to overcome negativity, so don’t underestimate the power of looking back on your life.

· Take Some Time

When you wake up, pause to reflect on how happy you are that good things have happened to you. Think about who was involved in those memories and how they’ve impacted your life. It’ll kindle warmth in you, a much-needed reassurance when the going gets tough.

· Express Gratitude When Life Gets Tough

Let your memories remind you that you’re lucky and look forward to making more. Express gratitude for the little things you remember, like a pleasant smile or a thoughtful remark. Practicing this will help you see the bright side of things and make you a more appreciative person in general.

2. Seek Support From Others

When life gets tough, be open with friends and family about what you’re going through. Disclosing the details can be intimidating, but you can’t keep them bottled up. Unburden yourself, so there’s a safety net ready for you.

· Exchange Thoughts

It helps to express the thoughts that make things hard. It’s a cathartic release that can deflate what seems like a big deal. Listen to advice and have constructive discussions about your problems. You may not always come to definitive conclusions, but knowing you can talk about it is good for you.

· They’re Your Safeguard

Your support group safeguards you with its positive influence. If something bothers you during the day, be consoled that you can discuss it with those close to you later. It’s always a mood boost knowing they’ve got your back. They can keep an eye on you and send encouraging messages now and then.

· Make Progress

The point of repeated group meetings is to make progress, not to unload your pain aimlessly. This response requires brainstorming sessions, taking criticism, and trying new things. Don’t hesitate to write down important points that you want to explore. Naturally, being flexible and considerate of people’s concerns is critical.

3. Learn And Grow Through Contemplation

Tough times are an opportunity to explore yourself. Ask yourself big questions to understand what you’re all about. Having a solid sense of identity will keep you resistant when life throws you curveballs.

· Sense Of Self

Taking on tough times can help you realize what you like about yourself and what needs to change. You might finally kick old habits and reorganize your interests, making you more robust. By interrogating your past and present, you can understand who you should be and where you’re going next.

· Assess Your Actions

When you’re in a jam, you have to ask yourself how you got there. How might your choices have abetted the situation? How can you do better? Don’t let yourself off the hook, even if events mainly were outside your control. Seize the opportunity to address your blind spots and grow.

· Life Lessons

You can’t prepare for everything, so there will be times when life is pretty tough. These are learning experiences that make you a complete human being. It’s not always obvious what there is to know, necessitating diligent contemplation. You can cope more easily by mulling what you gain from surmounting obstacles.

4. Manage Your Mind

To some extent, you are what you think. Take care of what’s going on in your head to take care of yourself in general. When worries start to creep in, thwart them with positive thinking.

· Set Aside Time

To stay assured and on point, get in some “me time” here and there. Through reminders on your phone and other means, spend some time during the day telling yourself that you’re capable and reminding yourself of your skills. This will fortify you against doubts and stressors that nag at you persistently.

· Soothe Yourself

Whether you’re waking up, going to sleep, or just feeling down, calm your mind with various reassuring techniques. Simply closing your eyes and breathing deeply can halt a harmful train of thought. Try relaxing by visualizing an image, like a beautiful sunset or lazy ocean waves, immersing yourself in a safe place.

· Be Good-Humored

Get in the habit of having good humor. Even if you’re not particularly happy, making light of things will alter your thinking and lead to a more positive personality. Research surprisingly shows that the use of self-deprecating humor is associated with happiness and sociability. Maintaining a humorous perspective, although the difficulty is made by those people who manage anger effectively.

5. Accomplish Things To Stay Busy

The feeling of progress is an antidote to difficulty. There’s little time to fret when you have your hands full, hustling to accomplish things. Good work ethic is positive defiance of adversity.

· Be Proactive

Research shows that sedentary life is a risk factor for depression, including too much television and napping. So if there’s a task you’ve been putting off, get it done. If there’s something new you want to try, don’t hold back. Then rejoice in catharsis when you’ve got achievements under your belt.

· Hobbies And Passions

Focusing on your hobbies is the perfect coping mechanism, keeping you productive while you thoroughly enjoy yourself. Go for a run, lift weights, jump rope, play piano, taste wine, whatever you need to be yourself. Push yourself to get better so that your pride outweighs the negativity.

· The Road Ahead

Don’t dwell on how tough things are. Focus on your hopes for the future. Remember that you can’t afford to lose precious time, so set yourself up for success. This could mean making a purchase or phone call, clearing up space, or having an important meeting with someone. You could use the relief of being as ready as possible.

6. Indulge In What You Like

Indulge yourself in feel-good stuff to recharge after life’s troubles. As long as it’s in the right amount, there’s nothing wrong with cathartic activities and guilty pleasures to perk you up. Your mood will be on the uptick when you have things to look forward to.

· Escapist Amusement

Separate yourself from unpleasantness by enjoying escapism. Rewatch a favorite movie, play an involving video game, or listen to invigorating music. Get excited about seeking out new creative works since you never know what will catch your interest and make good memories.

· Strong Bonds

Have a get-together with your friends to strengthen your bonds while letting loose. Think of this as an act of determination, with you knowing that life is tough while refusing to back down. Your friends’ affection and the mischief you’ll get up to are likely to upgrade your confidence.

· Comfort Foods

As long as you don’t overdo it, delectable treats are comforts that’ll get you through thick and thin. Unwind with a slice of pie before bed, or calm your nerves by downing a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Naturally, it helps to balance this with exercise.

7. Accept Everything And Move Forward When Life Gets Tough

Author and journalist Hara Estroff Marano says that your mood influences many brain’s important operations, like perception, motivation, decision-making, social interaction, and memory. When you can’t accept bad things that have happened to you, it throws your mood out of whack, which in turn wreaks havoc on you. If you’re going to move forward, you’ve got to come to grips with things.

· Ditch Resentment

Anger at what’s happening to you is to be expected, but let it go. Prolonged resentment will impact your physical and mental health, making you more likely to experience desperate outbursts. Put your foot down and tell yourself that now is the time for solutions.

· Inspire Yourself

There are surely examples of things you’ve overcome in the past. Part of accepting present difficulties is knowing how capable you are. Take inspiration from what you’ve accomplished before to push through.

· Emphasize Control

Direct your thoughts around what you can control and how much influence you have. Self-defeating thoughts don’t yield anything productive. Critically thinking about the options at hand keeps your priorities straight so you can process what’s going on.

8. Shifts In Perspective

Going beyond positive thinking, you can shift your perspective in life for higher efficiency. Escape cognitive traps that keep you unproductive while establishing habits that do you justice. You can cope easily when you’re a well-oiled machine.

· Reject Bad Patterns

Your brain can trap you, causing rumination about how things aren’t going your way. This can make you feel consistently dejected. Instead, focus on what you can actually control and how much you appreciate that. Recognize your bad moods and tell yourself you’ll worry later, by which point you might forget why you were worried at all.

· Handle Your Problems

How you think about problems determines how much they upset you. Ask yourself if you’re exaggerating the bad while forgetting the good. Recite the good aspects of your life, and contrast the way you were before with the strength you’ve gained now. With a bit of perspective, you might realize your problems aren’t that big.

· Positive Reframing

According to Dr. Joachim Stoeber, accepting negative outcomes and looking for something good in what happened has a positive effect on satisfaction. It’s best to laugh at bad things so that you can move on and prevent rumination. This positive reframing tactic is good at negating the harshness of hard times.

Final Thoughts On Some Positive Ways To Cope When Life Gets Tough

Obviously, you can never prepare for everything. What you can do is make it your tireless mission to stay resilient. People too often underestimate themselves when their inner strength is still hidden. Facing down challenges when life gets tough may painfully force you to dig deep. But don’t despair. In the end, that sort of experience is how you’ll evolve and learn who you really are.

12 Habits That Hold People Back From Finding Happiness

August 25, 2021 by Kristen Butler

Are you happy? If you can’t say you’re pleased, do you know what’s causing you to be discontented? Life is full of ups and downs, but you must master finding happiness no matter what comes your way.

Your partner leaves you, your loved ones pass on, and your children give you so much to worry about that it interrupts your sleep. How do you get back on track and get your life back together after a significant blow to your happiness? Did you know that you can get into a negative pattern that can keep you down?

Twelve Habits That Keep You From Finding Happiness

Today is the day that will change everything in your life. You’ll learn the twelve things that sabotage you from finding happiness. These self-destructive habits are holding you back, and once you identify them, you can learn to alter these behaviors.

Here are the twelve things that are keeping you from living every day with joy.

1. Being A People Pleaser Blocks You From Finding Happiness

Do you try to please others more so than yourself? Do you do everything you can to keep those around you happy? You worry so much that people will judge or reject you that you go out of your way to seek their approval.

Stop gauging your self-esteem and confidence by what others think of you. Remember, you are not responsible for how other people feel, and they’re not responsible for your feelings either. Stop taking things so personally and set boundaries and guidelines for your life.

Finding happiness will be challenging when you let others dictate your every move.

2. Using Numbing Mechanisms to Cope May Take Away Your Joy

Finding happiness comes easier to some than others. However, no one wants to feel sadness, fear, shame, and disappointment. Many people become a master at numbing their emotions and are resilient to happiness. It’s easier to bypass what hurts than to be aware of it and work on this issue.

Some say that emotional pain is worse than physical discomfort. However, anything that hurts is going to get your attention. It would help if you had boundaries and learned to speak up for yourself.

If you’re using food, alcohol, shopping, work, or scrolling social media to numb your emotions, it’s time to face what hurts so that you can work through it.

3. Perfectionism Stops You From Finding Happiness

Do you feel you must be perfect to succeed and reach your goals? Sadly, the roots of perfectionism are steeped in the belief that you’re “less than” more so than a successful person. People who struggle with this mindset live in fear that they will make a mistake.

Did you know that you can have a legacy of perfectionism that is passed down through genetics? Your parents or siblings may suffer from the same issue. You must let go of these unrealistic expectations and learn to deal with criticism.

Start by setting realistic expectations for your life and not overwhelming yourself when things aren’t perfect.

4. Trying to Control Everything Makes You Miserable

Do you try to control everything, but you’re failing miserably at it? You can’t control the world or even those around you. No one likes to be around control freaks who have no boundaries.

The real issue behind this behavior is that you’re afraid of uncertainty. Keep your opinions to yourself, and stop giving people unsolicited advice. Then, work on the reasons why you feel like your life is so out of control.

The lack of self-trust has deep roots that need to be uncovered, dug up, and disposed of properly.

5. Isolating Yourself Stops You From Becoming Happier

It’s only natural to want to make the world go away by hiding behind four walls. Your home brings you comfort as it’s your safe place, but you must be careful about isolating yourself. When you withdraw from the world, losing interest in things like personal hygiene, proper nutrition, and making your home clean and tidy is effortless.

According to Marian Mitchell, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with Road To Living Whole, you need support, love, friendship, and laughter, which comes from being around other people. Additionally, self-isolating can be an ongoing problem that you must push your way through.

6. Hiding Your Emotions Behind A Tough Exterior

Why do people fear showing emotions? It’s okay to hurt, and it’s okay to cry. Crying doesn’t mean you’re weak, and hiding your emotions doesn’t make you stronger.

You’re resilient by nature, but it’s okay to fall apart when the situation warrants it. Don’t suppress your feelings and hope they go away. Allow yourself a good cry, and you can even get mad and vent occasionally. Suppressing your emotions is just building things up for a big explosion later.

7. Bracing Yourself for Disaster Stops You From Finding Happiness

Do you engage in catastrophic thinking? You can’t enjoy the good things in life because you’re always waiting for the next disaster to strike. Rejections and disappointments from past mistakes can hang around and make you miserable. The key to finding happiness is to be thankful for what you have and finding joy in the smallest of things each day.

8. Comparing Yourself to Others Impedes Joy in Life

When you fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, it will make you miserable. It’s hard to avoid this habit, especially when you have low self-esteem or don’t value your self-worth. Please don’t feel bad about yourself and compare your life to others, as you only see their best moments.

To fix this issue, you must become intimate with your successes. It’s okay to have some pride in your accomplishments. It’s not bragging about being proud of what you’ve done; make sure you stay humble. You don’t need a Pulitzer Prize to be happy with your achievements.

Try making a journal of all your accomplishments. Every time you feel the urge to compare yourself to others, remind yourself of all the amazing things you’ve done.

9. Being Overly Critical of Yourself

Do you beat yourself up over the minor mistakes? You’re human, and you’re going to make blunders. However, you can’t wallow in pity every time you do something wrong.

Stop criticizing yourself over things you can’t control and the times that you stumble. Rather, look at these mistakes as lessons and learn something from them.

10. Engaging In Self-Sabotaging Behavior

Self-sabotaging behavior is a tricky thing to understand. These behaviors start by feeling justified in your feelings and going after what you want, whether it’s right or wrong. Even when everything is going great in your life, you can beat yourself up over past failures.

Assume you got a promotion at work. You feel justified in the increase since you’ve been with the company for ten years. However, it’s not soon after your promotion that you start thinking about all the failures along the way.

Your fears of not measuring up start to flood your mind, and soon you find that you’re in a panic that you will mess things up. You’re using self-sabotaging behaviors. When you expect things to fall apart at any moment, you create the inevitable. You must love yourself enough to avoid such behaviors.

Take action to stop this conduct by calling out the behavior and understanding that your inner critic is speaking from anxiety, hurt, and fears. Stop using words like:

Can’t
Don’t
Only
Just
Simply
But

Changing your vocabulary can help you transform your mindset. Be proud of your accomplishments and stop being so critical.

11. Basing Your Self-Worth on Achievements

Overachieving is very unhealthy when you begin making your achievements all about what you are. Being an overachiever is based on the belief that you will avoid rejection from others if you do more. You often see these characteristics in workaholics.

Workaholics are driven by anxiety, low self-esteem, and intimacy problems, so they hide behind their job. These people often engage in neuroticism, perfectionism, and industriousness, making them miserable.

12. Nursing Unhealthy Guilt Blocks You From Finding Happiness

Everybody holds onto a little bit of guilt. However, you must be apologetic, express regret, make changes, and move on. When you get stuck with their feelings of guilt, you will act in a manner that’s unhealthy.

While it’s good to be aware of your accountability, you must ensure that you don’t distort a situation in your mind and blow things out of proportion.

Final Thoughts on Finding Happiness

Did you learn anything from this article that can help you change your mindset and put you on the path to finding happiness? You have one life to live, so why not make it the best you can?

Rather than getting involved in perfectionism, comparing yourself with others, and self-sabotaging behaviors, it’s time to live your truths. Being honest with yourself is freeing and can open you up to finding the true happiness you long for in life.

10 Red Flags That Reveal a Conversational Narcissist

August 25, 2021 by Chris Butler

Do you know someone that loves to talk about themselves? This person tends to have superior beliefs and holds themselves in high regard. You don’t have to look far to find someone like this, as social media is full of people who boost their self-esteem by being a conversational narcissist.

Undoubtedly, you have heard of narcissistic personalities, and you may have encountered a few in your day. Perhaps, you even struggle with narcissistic personality disorder yourself. According to the DSM-5, NPD is a greedy and status-driven person who often engages in destructive behavior.

Consequently, a newer subcategory of this personality has formed, which is known as conversational narcissists. These people are a bit different than the traditional type, as they know how to use their conversation to manipulate and control relationships by using their voice.

Ten Signs of a Conversational Narcissist

It’s essential to recognize the difference between someone with poor communication skills and a genuine personality disorder. The difference between the two is that once a person is made aware that they’re disregarding, invalidating, and using others, the narcissist will continue the toxic behavior.

The person who has poor skills will alter their speech to be more accommodating. Here are the signs to watch for when it comes to a conversational narcissist.

1. Control and Direct Conversation Topics

One-sided conversations are challenging. If you’re constantly the person listening while someone else is talking, then it’s a red flag. For a conversation to be healthy, there needs to be both give and take.

Each person should have a turn at speaking, and the other person needs to listen. Anyone who dominates or hoards a conversation might be self-absorbed. The conversational narcissist only cares about what they have to say and nobody else.

2. Know-It-All and Unwelcome Advice

Do you ever get unwelcomed advice from people that make you see red? New mothers often talk about all the unwarranted parenting advice they get, yet they take it in strides. However, the conversational narcissist takes on the attitude that they know everything about everything.

Their self-imagined importance allows them to have an answer to any problem you have, and they believe that they are a “know-it-all.” Well, they think it on the outside, but inside they’re trying to make up for their insecurities. Their boorish and unsolicited advice may make you flaming mad, but it’s coming from a dark and lonely place that exists inside them.

3.Frequently Interrupts Others

There’s nothing worse than being interrupted when you’re trying to speak. You expect this behavior from children or young kids, but the conversational narcissist will do it too. They believe that what they have to say is so important that they won’t wait until you’re finished.

They will cut you off in mid-sentence to hurry and interject their thoughts. Interrupting you when you’re speaking only shows their false sense of arrogance and entitlement.

4. Overbearing During Conversation Time

A conversation with a narcissistic might looks something like this: “Oh, I am so sorry that you have a headache, but do you mind taking me to the store for some groceries?” The key is that the focus always comes back to them.

These people have incredible skills that make them capable of monopolizing the discussion, and they’re not afraid to rudely interrupt you either. Conversation narcissists have an astonishing lack of recognition for what others say, even if the information is critical, private, and vulnerable in nature. They genuinely don’t care about anyone but themselves, which is why having a close and loving relationship with this person is impossible.

5. Unwarranted Superiority Complex

Another common trait of the conversation narcissist is that they have a superiority complex for no good reason. They can come across as arrogant or smug, but this is all an attempt to cover up the inadequacies they feel inside. This person feels the need to demote, judge, demean, reduce, make fun of, and discriminate against others.

Just remember this behavior has more to do with them than you, and someone who is in a healthy place inside doesn’t go around trying to destroy others. They need to put you down to make themselves feel better, and it just shows how messed up things are inside their mind. They don’t love themselves, so they need to come across a superior to cover up this inner loathing.

6. Unempathetic Listening Skills

Not only does the person want to spend all the time talking about themselves, but they will also dictate any other topics discussed. If you’re not talking about subjects that they like, then they’re not interested. Even if you manage to interject a few words, they will listen briefly, ignore the conversation, and move back to their topic of choice.

7. Scheming or Using Others as Extension of Self

Being in a relationship with a narcissist is hard, especially since they have a good rapport with others. According to Lisa Thomson Wells, a renowned writer and motivational speaker, narcissists often try to manipulate and exploit others for selfish gain. Once a person notices their patterns, they move on.

Being manipulated by a narcissist isn’t always easy to spot. They’re very crafty with their false promises and insincere flattery. However, if you don’t take the bait with the first tactics, they will use guilt, lying, making excuses, and hostility to get what they want. Remember, these people can’t relate to you, but they sure know how to use you.

8. Use a Lot of Filler Phrases

Another interesting thing you will notice about conversational narcissists is that they like to use filler words. Now, many people have bywords because they lose their train of thought or use them out of habit, but this person is doing it because they’re not listening to you at all.

When someone isn’t engaging in your conversation, they may say things like “hmm” or “interesting.” Watch out for these filler words, as the person might be a bit selfish and just not engaged in the discussion.

9. Extreme Exaggeration & Self-Praise

Do you have that one friend that never ceases to amaze you during a conversation? You may be talking about the weather, and they find some way to interject that they’re a lawyer or have tons of money saved. These people need validation and a way to boost their self-worth, and they find any conversation is an excellent time to do so.

Social media has given these narcissists a platform to use with ease. Here, you can easily brag, flaunt, and dramatize your life, and you always have a captive audience. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with patting yourself on the back for praise-worthy achievements, but it shouldn’t be an everyday thing.

The real issue is the person is compensating for the emptiness they feel on the inside, so they boost themselves on a superficial level on the outside. The problem is they’re not fooling anyone but themselves.

10. The Listeners’ Eyes Are Glazing Over

The narcissist knows how to dominate the conversation, and they care so much about what they’re talking about that they assume you do too. How do you know if you’re talking to a selfish person? Well, if you’re eyes start glazing over, your body language is stiff and uncomfortable, and you’re not paying attention, it’s clear they’ve bored you to tears.

Final Thoughts on the Conversational Narcissist

When dealing with a narcissist of any kind, you must remember that what you see and hear coming from them is all fake. They’re creating this superiority complex to distract themselves from the inadequacies they feel inside. In many instances, these people have been abused, neglected, or had traumatic experiences in life that have left them forever altered.

Additionally, a narcissistic personality disorder is a true mental illness, and it’s not something that will go away on its own. It takes years of therapy, rewiring the brain, and admitting there’s an issue even to attempt to get over it. Sadly, according to the American Addiction Centers, the recovery rate for this condition is anywhere from zero to six percent.

The main issue why so many don’t recover is because they’re too proud to seek help. When it comes to conversation narcissists, they’re just a bit more vocal than others, and they tend to use their voice to stroke their bruised self-esteem. It’s best to steer clear of this person or urge them to get help.

3 Effective Ways To Handle Toddler Tantrums and How to Prevent Them

August 25, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

So, your little one has reached the incredible age of one. Congratulations! You must feel excited about the beginning of a new chapter. But have you started to notice some anger bottled up in that cute little body? Do you feel like your once sweet and calm baby is now a force to be reckoned with?

If so, your kid has probably entered that stage in their growth where temper tantrums are a fact of life. If you feel overwhelmed, that’s normal. Tantrums can be difficult to deal with. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent tantrums as much as possible or more effectively deal with them when they inevitably happen.

What Are Toddler Tantrums And How Do They Manifest?

If you’ve ever noticed your kid kicking, screaming, crying, holding their breath, or otherwise manifesting in aggressive or harmful ways, then you have encountered the mighty toddler tantrum.

Historically, tantrums were seen as a manipulation tactic used by little ones to get attention. Parents were taught that there’s no logical reason for which a child could be acting out in this way and that the kid should just be isolated during an episode and left to “cry it out of their system. Today we understand that this is not the case. Unfortunately, this archaic belief has been so accepted at a social level that some parents do not understand the actual connotations of tantrums.

Studies On Why Children Misbehave

According to Meri Wallace, Child and Family therapist, parents need to know that a child crying is a child in need or experiencing some trauma.

The body of research on this topic shows that tantrums are a normal part of child development, usually manifesting in children between 1 and 3 years old (sometimes even older). They tend to be most common in the second year of life when little ones start developing language skills. As they begin to understand more and more of the things happening around them, they become increasingly frustrated that they can’t accurately convey what they feel and want. As language skills improve, tantrums tend to decrease.

Toddlers become fascinated by the world and begin to yearn for independence. When they discover that they can’t do everything on their own and can’t have everything they want, they might throw a tantrum.

Studies suggest that being at the age where social and emotional skills begin to develop, toddlers usually can’t understand, handle, or express “big” emotions. For them, tantrums are just an outlet used when trying to show others how they feel or a way in which they try to understand what’s going on around them. Tantrums can also be triggered by stress, hunger, tiredness, or an inability to cope with specific situations.

Toddler tantrums are just a normal part of the kid’s development. That doesn’t mean that you can’t prevent or learn how to manage them properly. But how exactly do you do that?

How To Prevent Toddler Tantrums?

Just because tantrums are a way in which your little one can express themselves doesn’t mean that you can’t take steps to prevent them from responding to every little stimulus and situation with a tantrum. Your job as a parent is to guide and help your kid in times of need, and that also means making sure that their environment is safe and trigger-free.

1. Reduce Stress

As kids begin to understand the world better, they can start feeling overwhelmed. Independence is something that they will inevitably have to deal with, but while it can seem exciting, they can also become stressed by all the significant changes that come with reaching toddlerhood.

Research shows that a big factor in increasing stress is separation anxiety. Spending less time with their parents and coping with new situations, like preschool or learning to walk and talk, can lead to frustrations and tantrums. While these new situations are inevitable, there are ways in which you can help your kid manage their stress.

Rene Hackney, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist, suggests forming and sticking to a daily schedule to help ease your kid into the new routine without creating high levels of stress. As long as they know what they will do, new activities will be easier to cope with. Routines will also keep them busy, not allowing them to feel that you are not with them every second of the day.

Try to be there for your kid as much as possible and, most importantly, allot time for breaks. Your kid needs time to relax and to take in all the new information in their way.

2. Identify Triggers

Has your child ever thrown their food across the room? What about ripping into their toys for no apparent reason?

As parents, you might be inclined to think that your kid is simply acting out for no reason. All of these manifestations and tantrums are real, and they always have an actual reason behind them.

To pinpoint what the triggers are, you need to observe and investigate the situation. Does your child tend to be fussy when forced to eat a specific meal? Do they become angry when they haven’t had their nap? Whatever the reason might be, as you observe, you can eliminate certain triggers from the kid’s routine. If they seem to hate apples, give them oranges. If they seem angry when given a particular toy, maybe throw that toy away and allow them to play with something else.

To make your life easier, be aware that the most usual triggers are tiredness, hunger, long waits, boredom, disputes over food, fear, being ignored, and changes in routine.

3. Give Them Some Independence

While it might seem like a toddler is just too little to be allowed choices, the truth is most tantrums are triggered by frustration created by a lack of control over their lives.

You don’t need to allow them to do outrageous things alone. No one supports the idea of the kid going to the park alone at two years old. But it would help if you allowed them small choices, like “Would you rather have orange juice or apple juice?”, “Which shirt do you want to wear today?” This can help boost their confidence and alleviate the frustration they feel by not being independent, therefore lowering the need for tantrums.

3 Effective Ways To Handle Toddler Tantrums

You are now equipped with the knowledge on how to prevent as many tantrums as possible. But some acting out is inevitable. Maybe you’re just busier than usual on a specific day, and you can’t be as attentive when it comes to the signs. Perhaps you simply cannot spot a certain trigger. And, just like that, your toddler is screaming and crying again. What can you do then?

1. Be Calm And Give Positive Attention

Whenever faced with a tantrum, remember that your job is to calm your kid down. If you’re also screaming, how will you ever be able to manage your kid’s screaming and crying?

The best way to deal with tantrums is to take a deep breath, remember that your kid has legitimate reasons to act out, and try to comfort them. Remember that tantrums are healthy for development and accept that sometimes they are inevitable.

Depending on the triggers of the trauma, positive attention can mean different things. If your child is scared, they might need a hug. If they’re fussy about being refused something, the best way to help them is to explain the reasons, and, if they persevere, either wait out the tantrum or distract them with another activity.

Comforting them will show them that they are in a safe space, thus boosting their trust in you and allowing them to be more comfortable with simply talking to you about their problems in the future.

2. Acknowledge Their Feelings

Because you know what our child is feeling in our minds, you believe that is enough to acknowledge their emotions. The truth is, your child doesn’t know you understand what they’re going through if you don’t verbalize that.

A simple “It’s ok, I know you’re upset by the fact that we couldn’t go to the park today” can make all the difference when it comes to soothing your child. It can help them feel loved and understood. The more they feel like they have gotten their message across, the less need they will have to continue their tantrum.

Verbalizing that you understand what your child feels can also be the first step in assisting them towards self-understanding. You can help your child label and understand their emotions. Naming feelings is the first step in helping little ones identify them. They can develop an emotional vocabulary that will allow them to tell you how they feel instead of needing to throw a tantrum in the hopes you might understand and help them.

Talking about feelings with your child strengthens your relationship, making them feel safer in your presence. Thus, they will trust you enough to talk to you openly. This will help you manage their tantrums and even help prevent them in some cases.

3. Don’t Give In To Toddler Tantrums

Allowing kids small choices is different than giving in to requests thrown at you during tantrums.

You will often hear outrageous things during toddler tantrums, like “I want to watch the TV all day,” which is simply an absurd request.

Giving in not only allows kids to do something harmful at that moment but also creates a correlation between misbehaving and being rewarded. This correlation is something that will cause more problems in the long term and will cause more tantrums.

So, stand your ground. Never allow them something to get out of having to deal with the issue. Be firm, wait the tantrum out, and explain to them the reason they didn’t get what they wanted after they’ve calmed down.

Final Thoughts On How To Prevent And Handle Toddler Tantrums

Having a toddler is a full-time job. There’s no denying that. And, unfortunately, tantrums are a part of the experience. Fortunately, you can prevent tantrums by reducing stress, identifying triggers, and allowing kids small moments of independence. If tantrums are still unavoidable, try remaining calm, talking about feelings, and don’t ever give in! After all is said and done, you will have weathered the storm, and you will be able to enjoy a lovely time in the park with your calm and satisfied toddler.

4 Ways Pessimism Can Decrease Motivation (And 3 Ways To Prevent It)

August 25, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Are your thoughts causing you to decrease motivation in your life?

Ask yourself these things:

Do you consider yourself a pessimistic person? Do you often see the glass half-empty instead of half-full? Perhaps you get called a cynic or a downer when you express your thoughts? Finally, do you consider yourself a real individual and tend to believe that real life is negative and full of bad things?

There are plenty of pessimists in the world. If you answered “yes” to any of the prior questions, you might be one of them. A pessimist can see nothing but doom and gloom, but it can also be someone who tends to see the risks and challenges more than the good things in life. You might not feel like celebrating positive things, or you might go as far as to preach that everything is hopeless!

Wherever you fall on the spectrum of pessimism, it’s worth being aware of the fact that pessimism is more likely to harm than help you. But how can it be bad for you, and is there any way to stop it? Here are four ways pessimism can decrease motivation and ways to prevent it in three methods.

Four Ways Pessimism Can Decrease Motivation

Do you feel pessimistic? It might make you feel less motivated. Here is why.

1. Being Anxious and Stressed Will Decrease Motivation

Many pessimists struggle with stress, according to research. You’re likely to have poor coping skills for stress when you’re a pessimist, which can lend itself to exhaustion, fatigue, and a lot of anxiety. This stress happens because pessimists focus on bad things a lot, which will build stress levels in the body and make them less satisfied with life.

It’s true that, for some, a little bit of stress can be motivational. But the kind of stress that comes from pessimism – and the accompanying anxiety that stems from it – is not the kind to make you more motivated. Instead, it is likely to paralyze you, causing:

Worst-case scenario-type thinking
Excessive nervousness and worrying
Too much rumination

And, of course, the more paralyzed you are, the more stressed out and anxious you get. But the more pessimistic you become in turn, leading to a deadly cycle that begets itself!

2. A Sapped Level of Confidence Can Decrease Motivation

Pessimism inherently tends to involve a lack of confidence. This is because the trait requires you to constantly think the worst may happen, which is a sign that you may:

Not believe in your capabilities to overcome problems and issues.
Seek to protect yourself against being hurt by others by expecting the worst, so you’re never disappointed.
Think you’re incapable of change and therefore believe you’re stuck in a situation forever.
Feel that you have no control over your life or its circumstances.
Think you have no power over the events in your life.

These are all marks of lacking confidence. When you believe in yourself, it’s tough to be pessimistic, as you naturally trust that you can overcome unfavorable circumstances. You get none of that positive thinking if you lack the self-esteem necessary for such belief, and your motivation suffers for it. You can’t have any drive if you don’t believe anything will come of it!

A lot of times, this kind of pessimism is also a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you don’t believe in yourself, your chance of success is also depleted because you don’t come in with confidence and awareness of your strengths. And then, when you don’t achieve success, you, with pessimism, may say something like, “I knew I couldn’t do it.” Naturally, this only further confirms your thoughts and makes you even more pessimistic!

3. The Resulting Depression Might Decrease Motivation

Many individuals who are pessimists tend to overthink a lot, which can decrease mental wellbeing. Studies suggest that those who contemplate, brood, and overthink at higher rates often possess a worsened risk of developing depression and depressive symptoms.

Worse still, the cycle of negative thoughts is such that the more you have them, the more depressed you get, making you even more negative thoughts. Pessimism is, essentially, a downward spiral, and it’s a difficult one to break free from.

This kind of lack of positive thinking is enough to dampen motivation. You may think you’re not capable of success, which depresses you, and then that depression makes things feel even more hopeless. You may also experience other problems related to depression and its symptoms as a result, such as:

Low self-esteem
Poor moody
Constant negative thoughts

4. Pessimism Decreases Motivation by Making Problems Seem Unsolvable

Pessimists have a specific explanatory style. An explanatory style refers to the way with which you interpret events and situations in your life. Studies show that optimists minimize negative things and focus on positive ones while pessimists maximize negative things and minimize positive ones.

Being aware of negative things is essential to proper problem-solving and planning, but there’s a point where focusing on the negative harms more than it helps. A pessimist faced with a struggle or challenge may focus so much on the negative that all problems feel more magnified, reducing the motivation to solve or overcome challenges to begin with.

On the other hand, an optimist, full of positive thinking, will be focusing on the good things and using that to motivate them to solve problems and move forward. They don’t feel the helplessness that a pessimist may feel, and they’re interested in seeking bold new solutions and turning to the future so they can learn and grow.

This positive thinking form is also known as a “growth mindset.” This mindset means that, when faced with difficult circumstances or even outright failure, you’d be motivated to keep going because you’re happy that you get to learn from those events. Pessimists don’t have this mindset, so they have no motivation, nor do they have any positive way of coping! They’re more likely to give up because of how helplessly they perceive the world around them.

Three Ways To Prevent Pessimism That Decreases Motivation

Now that negativity decreases motivation, here are some new habits you can embrace to offset its impacts.

1. Welcome Challenges

Pessimists often view challenges as high risks for failure, making them less likely to feel motivated to face the challenges they encounter. If that describes your worldview, then it’s time to change the way you view those challenges.

Instead of being afraid of them, worrying about them, or overthinking them, start welcoming the challenges you may face. They’re not your enemy, and facing a setback or “failing” doesn’t mean that you have truly failed. You can hammer this message home by:

Thinking of challenges as opportunities to grow and learn.
Considering missteps as lessons instead of as signs of failure.
Understanding that mistakes through challenges are unavoidable in life but that they’re always things you can learn from.
Getting into the habit of reflecting on how you handled challenges to improve yourself.

Being aware that challenges are empowering can help you find the motivation that you need to move forward and overcome pessimism.

2. Get Rid Of Negative Sources and Create Positive Ones

If you’re surrounded by negativity, you’re likely to begin to embody that trait more fully. As such, if you notice that you struggle to let go of pessimism, you may want to examine your life and world and find out what is encouraging that way of thinking. Here are some ways to do so:

Consider the media that you consume. How much negative news do you watch or read? Do you watch, read, or listen to content that makes you anxious or upset? Can you add something positive to your media repertoire?
Consider your thoughts. Do you have more negative thoughts than positive ones? How can you challenge negative thoughts with positivity? What realities can you ground yourself in that counteract unreasonable negativity on your part?
Consider who you hang out with. Do you spend your time surrounded by negative people who only further encourage your pessimism? How can you surround yourself with more positive people that you feel uplifted by?
Consider the bad things that happen around you. Can you create positivity through acts of kindness that counteract those terrible things? While you shouldn’t feel responsible for changing those bad things, is there also a way that you can help to reduce them? Would you feel good about yourself through helping others?

When you’re able to counteract these harmful sources with positive ones. You will naturally feel more motivated because the things in your life uplift and encourage you instead of dragging you down.

3. Use Pessimism In A Positive Way

This point sounds counter-productive, but consider this! Pessimists are more likely to prepare for and foresee potential problems and obstacles in their future, allowing them to be protected against tough times. They’re often better prepared for difficult circumstances because they’re capable of acknowledging risks and negative possibilities.

Research proves that these benefits from pessimism can be pretty significant, allowing for some pessimists to enjoy:

More secure safety nets when embarking on risky endeavors
Better preparedness against challenges and difficult circumstances
Improved resilience in challenging times due to mental and physical preparedness
A more solid worldview that doesn’t become upended by hard times
Higher risk awareness for wiser decision-making

Do note, of course, that this kind of pessimism is beneficial only in moderation and balance. It should be used to inform your choices and make you more aware of adverse outcomes so you can avoid rose-colored glasses and toxic positivity. However, once your pessimism starts dampening your motivation, you’ve gone too far off the deep end, so use this tip with caution!

How can you achieve the perfect balance? The idea is simple: while you can plan for the worst, you should also hope for the best. Just because you’re preparing for the worst-case scenario, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t practice positive thinking about what you want to happen.

Envisioning your desired outcome while creating backup plans grounded in realism is genuinely the way to go! The positive visualization helps your motivation, and your careful preparation will keep that motivation alive if hurdles pop up along the way.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Pessimism Can Decrease Motivation And Ways To Prevent It

Human beings need a balanced measure of pessimism and optimism to live in a positive and mindful way. As such, being nothing but a pessimist will do you more harm than good and will cause you to lose motivation. Do your best to counteract your extreme pessimism with optimism and help those two traits to work together in harmony for the best results!

Manifestation of Your Dreams Comes From These 10 Habits

August 24, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Remember when you were a kid and wished on falling stars, or what about all the times you blew out the candles on your birthday cake? Children instinctively believe that they can have their hearts’ desires. Even as an adult, you have the power to dream and speak it into manifestation.

The only person who can make your dreams a reality is you. You have the divinely given tools to use anytime you want. It’s all a matter of believing in yourself and giving voice to your desires.

For the past few years, the law of attraction has received a lot of attention in the media. However, it’s not a recent discovery. It’s been used by great thinkers throughout the ages to manifest positive results.

An article published by Dr. Tchiki Davis in Psychology Today says that there are scientific ways to have manifestations. Davis explains that when you visualize your dreams, you create positive emotions. You are more apt to bring them to fruition than if you’re negative.

Some people have a misconception that visualizing and manifesting your desires works like a genie in a magic lamp. You tell the genie your wishes, and you sit back and wait for them to appear.

Of course, you must put action behind your affirmations. Not only do you agree with the Universe, but you work with it to bring your goals to reality. Nobody realizes their destiny by not putting forth an effort.

It’s important to realize that the Divine will not go against your free will. If you think your dreams aren’t possible and you’ll never be a success, the Universe will let it happen. However, it will also manifest your goals when you agree with positive affirmations.

Moving From Affirmation to Manifestation

How do you take your goals from the dream state to actuality? The Divine already knows your path and the beautiful things in store for you. However, it requires your agreement to make them happen.

Do you want a life that is overflowing with joy and contentment? It’s your birthright, and the Source of All is waiting for you to claim it. Here are ten habits that can help you bring more positivity to your life and manifest your heart’s longings.

1. Create Specific Goals

Before you can manifest your dreams, you need to identify them specifically. How can you wish for something if you don’t know what you want? It’s also essential that you be specific concerning your goals.

For example, you may want to create an affirmation for a better job. You’ll be more aligned with the Universe when your promise is in greater detail. Say something like, “I want to finish my master’s degree and teach high school math,” or, “I want to start my own bookkeeping business from home.”

These are more specific goals that not only describe the results but also provide steps for achieving them. The more assured you’re in what your heart desires, the closer you come to the Source and manifesting your dreams.

2. Ask the Universe for Help

When you make positive affirmations to the Universe, you attract positive manifestations. It’s the law of attraction working for you. Whether you speak to the Universe, a deity, or simply the Source of All, you’re aligning with a Higher Power that has your best interest at heart.

3. Live in the Dream Now

How will you feel when your dreams become a reality? Maybe you desire to lose weight or find your soulmate. Why not get yourself acclimated to having your desires in the present?

Picture yourself in the house that you’ve always wanted. You can even arrange furniture in your mind and choose your favorite wall colors. Look deep into the eyes of your future soulmate as if they were holding your hand now. Let your senses experience every tinge of your affirmations.

Since perception is your reality, why not have your best life now? While the law of attraction isn’t always instantaneous, your faith brings you closer to positive results. Now is the time to bask in joy and fulfillment.

4. Make a Dream Board

Many people create dream boards as a visual aid for focusing on manifesting their goals. You needn’t be an artist to make one. It can be constructed from a poster board or on a bulletin board in your room or office.

Feel free to design it however you wish. Cut out pictures from magazines and copy inspirational sayings or poems. Let your dream board reflect your inner desires.

5. Be Flexible

Sometimes, you may not be familiar with the paths that lead to your destination. As you combine with the Universe, you learn to trust that your best interests are always considered. Maybe the track from Point A to Point B isn’t what you expected, but reaching your goals is worth the trip.

Remember that the Divine doesn’t always work the way we think it should. Nevertheless, you can be assured that it’s lovingly directing you to the blessings you want and deserve. Be patient and watch your dreams manifest before your very eyes.

6. Listen to Your Inner Voice

When’s the last time you silenced the negative chatter in your brain and listened to that still, small voice? This intuitive voice is your inner being speaking to you. As you listen to your own calm, reassuring words, you discover your true desires.

In an article published by Psychology Today, Dr. Alex Lickerman suggests that the more you recognize why you have intuitive reactions, the more you will trust them. It can help you fill your greatest expectations. So, to receive significantly, you must be true to your gut feelings and considerably expect.

7. Record Your Progress

It’s only human to want to see some positive results to boost your faith. That’s why journaling can be such a helpful tool for the manifestation of your dreams. When you review the benefits that the Universe has brought in the past, you’re ready to unite for more incredible things.

Journaling is a fun and rewarding way to record your affirmations and the results. It can be a simple notepad, or you can buy a decorative book meant for this art. Some people enjoy writing their reflections in a computer file.

Whichever way you choose, your journal can help you define and record your goals. You don’t have to share it with anyone unless you want.

8. Use Your Imagination

If you’ve been a stranger to the world of imagination for a while, talk to a child. They aren’t too far removed from their cosmic origination to believe in the Unseen. Unfortunately, adults grow away from this perfect, childlike faith into an attitude of skepticism.

When was the last time you allowed your imagination to run wild? The crucial part of making your dreams a reality is to form them in your mind. When you entertain doubt, you negate anything the Universe can give you.

How do you imagine your best life? Be positive and see how far your imagination can bring forth manifestations.

9. Be Grateful

Have you ever given a gift to an ungrateful friend or family member? Their indifferent attitude probably made you think before you gave them anything else. If you want more abundance in your life, remember to be grateful for what you already have.

The law of attraction works whether your affirmations are positive or negative. If you aren’t grateful for your blessings and count them as nothing, the Universe agrees. You’ll continue to have ungrateful feelings and no value to your life.

However, a grateful heart cultivates positive affirmations that will be returned. Watch as your blessings increase according to your gratitude. It’s not always material goods but an increase in joy, awareness, and well-being.

You may consider devoting a section of your journal to a gratitude list. There’s nothing too insignificant for thankfulness. As you count your blessings, you’ll cope better with life’s difficulties.

10. Be Patient While Awaiting for Manifestation

Remember the old saying that good things come to those who wait? As you make affirmations into the Divine, know that its timing isn’t always you’re timing. Your destiny is already paved in eternity, and you’ll realize your dreams in due season.

While you wait, continue meditating on the positive things in your life, and you must continue living as usual. After you’ve achieved what you want, you’ll better understand the plan. You’ve already done your part, and you wait for the Universe to do what it will.

Final Thoughts on the Manifestation of Your Dreams

The first step to living your best life is to believe you can. Try these habits and learn to agree with the Universe with your affirmations. Then, watch as you learn to cultivate blessings that were meant for you from the beginning.

Neurologists Find a Link Between the Keto Diet and Brain Tumor Growth

August 24, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

A new study reveals that people with brain tumor growth may benefit from the keto diet. The ketogenic diet is a modified version of the Atkins diet. It includes high-fat, low-carb foods and moderate amounts of protein. Physicians initially prescribed this type of diet to epilepsy patients in the 1920s. Today, many people follow the keto diet to lose weight, have more energy, and have other benefits.

While the keto diet has exploded in popularity recently, the dietary constraints make it difficult to follow long-term. However, researchers found that a modified version of this diet may benefit people with brain tumor growth. The study appeared in the July 7, 2021, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The small study discovered that people with brain tumors called astrocytomas could safely eat a keto diet. All participants in the study had undergone radiation treatment and chemotherapy. Scientists found that the diet caused metabolic changes in their bodies and brains. However, it’s important to note that the study did not determine whether the keto diet could slow tumor growth or increase longevity.

“There are not a lot of effective treatments for these types of brain tumors, and survival rates are low, so any new advances are very welcome,” said study author Roy E. Strowd, MD, MS, MEd, of Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

“These cancer cells rely on glucose, or sugar, to divide and grow. Since the ketogenic diet is low in sugar, the body changes what it uses for energy — instead of carbohydrates, it uses ketones. Normal brain cells can survive on ketones, but the theory is that cancer cells cannot use ketones for energy.”

The study showing how the keto diet benefits people with brain tumor growth

Researchers recruited 25 people with astrocytomas for the study. Participants followed a ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting for eight weeks. They ate fish, bacon, eggs, butter, heavy cream, and leafy green vegetables. All of these foods are high in fat and relatively low in carbs.

The volunteers met with a dietician at the beginning of the study and every two weeks after. For five days a week, participants followed the modified Adkins diet. This involved carbohydrate restriction along with high amounts of fat. The program also called for participants to fast twice weekly, eating only 20% or less of their recommended daily calories.

Scientists wanted to see if the participants could adhere to the diet without significant side effects. Of the group, 21 people completed the study, with 48% following the diet to a T. However, urine tests revealed that 80% of the volunteers had elevated ketones. Their body relied primarily on fats and protein rather than carbohydrates for energy.

Most participants with brain tumor growth did well on the keto diet. Only two people experienced significant side effects during the study period. Scientists found that one wasn’t related to the diet, while the other could’ve been related.

Scientists noted significant metabolic changes in the body and brains of participants near the end of the study. Specifically, hemoglobin A1c levels, insulin levels, and fat body mass all decreased. On the other hand, their lean body mass increased.

Scientists took specialized brain scans of participants to measure brain metabolites as well. They discovered increased ketone concentrations and metabolic changes in brain tumor growth.

The results are encouraging, but future studies are necessary

“Of course, more studies are needed to determine whether this diet can prevent the growth of brain tumors and help people live longer, but these results show that the diet can be safe for people with brain tumors and successfully produce changes in the metabolism of the body and the brain,” Strowd said.

Overall, the keto diet shows promise for those with brain tumor growth. While scientists can’t say conclusively that it slows tumor growth or increases survival, it does benefit health in the short term. Hopefully, follow-up studies will be done to determine the diet’s long-term benefits on brain tumor growth.

Researchers also stress that the study participants had a high level of contact with researchers. They say this isn’t possible in a more extensive study or routine doctor visits. Therefore, the results of this study may not be replicated in other settings.

The study was supported by the philanthropy of Dr. John and Elaine Freeman, Dr. Jon Weingart, the Martz, Redwood, and Dalos families, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institutes.

Other benefits of the ketogenic diet

Doctors have prescribed the keto diet for decades to treat epilepsy and even mental health conditions. Today, people follow the diet for other reasons, such as the following:

Weight loss. Many people eat a keto diet to burn more fat and induce weight loss. One longitudinal study found that obese patients who followed the diet for six months dropped a significant amount of weight. Other health markers such as cholesterol, blood triglycerides, and blood glucose levels also improved. The risk for heart disease also decreased.
Reduces brain fog and improves cognition. Some people on a ketogenic diet report having more mental clarity after eating less sugar and carbs. One study found that this diet leads to better cognition and biochemical effects in the prefrontal cortex. Scientists believe this may have important implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Final thoughts on a study showing effects of the keto diet on brain tumor growth

A small study revealed that the keto diet could help patients with brain tumors. The study found that patients had more ketones and improved metabolism after the eight weeks. They also had more lean body mass and lower insulin levels. However, they’re still unsure how the diet could impact brain tumors in the long term. More studies are needed to determine these effects, but the results from this study are promising indeed.

12 Ways to Honor the Legacy of a Loved One and Get Closure

August 24, 2021 by Chris Butler

Death is a complex topic for most people to discuss. The crux is that many don’t truly understand dying, as losing your loved ones is unbearable pain. However, death is just as much a part of life as living. And when you pass on, you leave a legacy as a gift to those you love.

Whether the death was a surprise, or you knew someone was sick and frail, it doesn’t make it any easier. Facing death can feel like a punch in the stomach. Someone you love and adore is suddenly no longer there. You give them good traditional or Asian funerals and even choose headstones and flat grave markers for your loved one as a reminder of their life. You may also hire a funeral live streaming service for their relatives and friends who couldn’t attend the funeral.

Many folks don’t know how to say goodbye and are confused by the grieving process they experience. Some go into shock because they don’t understand why life is full of such sorrow. Think back to a person that you lost who had a profound impact on your life.

You may find comfort in their legacy or the stories and energy they left behind on earth. Take, for instance, Sarah, who lost her grandfather when she was 35. For decades, he was a part of her life and the one she adored.

He was more like a father to her, and she didn’t know how she could go on without him. After he passed, Sarah knew it wasn’t going to be easy. She went to the home and just sat in his chair, trying to feel anything.

The waft of his cologne and the smell of his home seemed overwhelming. She was numb and didn’t want to go on another day, but she had no choice. She decided to walk around his house and take it all in.

It wasn’t long before her mind was flooded with his jokes, laughter, singing, and his generous personality that she found comforting. He was gone, but what he left with her was more powerful than Sarah ever imagined. The thought of closing the door to this home and walking away horrified her, as she didn’t know how to cope.

She found it very challenging to come to terms with his death, but what choice did she have? However, she decided that she could find healing and closure for her pain if she honored his legacy.

Twelve Ways to Honor the Legacy of a Lost Loved One

After the loss of a loved one, you will need time to heal and grieve. However, to help you through this process, you can honor their memories. The memorial industry has blossomed with new ways to pay tribute to someone special. Here are a few incredible ways that you can honor someone who meant so much to you.

1. Tell Their Stories

Older folks have told a lot of stories in their day. You can help to keep their memory alive by telling their stories to future generations. Did they have a joke or riddle that they liked to quote if it was a younger person? Each person has a unique personality and gifts they leave behind, and sharing these with others, can help bring healing. Their words of inspiration might be a healing balm for a broken heart.

2. Save Them a Seat

At family gatherings and special events, save a seat for the one gone before you. Just knowing this place is reserved for them and their memory can be very helpful in honoring their life’s journey. Place a picture in the chair and be eager to share their lives and stories with those who may not have had the pleasure of knowing them.

3. Plant a Tree in Memory

A memorial tree is a fascinating way to honor someone who has passed. Each year, the tree will grow bigger and stronger, but you will never forget them each time you look at the mighty strength that grew from a seedling. The tree can help you find peace with their passing and learn that there may be life after death.

4. Carry Something of Theirs With You

In the olden days, people used to keep a locket of hair they would take from a deceased body. They thought that carrying this would bring comfort. According to The Artyologist, hair locked were first mentioned in history back in 1649.

When Charles I of England passed, people who adored him wanted a lock of his hair to put inside a locket. The owners found comfort by keeping something of their beloved leader.

5. Use Their Ashes To Make Jewelry or Art

Resin art is a fabulous way to remember someone you love.

Here’s an interesting, relatively new trend. You can take a few of their ashes and have them made into jewelry that you can keep close to you. If you’re not a jewelry person, you can have the ashes made into art to hang on the wall. Additionally, consider exploring different options for urns for funerals that can be both functional and meaningful in preserving their memory.

Having a piece of them so close to you can help you during your dark days. Their life can create another masterpiece for those left behind to enjoy.

6. Create a Scrapbook

In Victorian times, there were no funeral homes or fancy services. Instead, they held wakes inside the house. During this time, the family would take pictures with the dead person to honor their memory.

The official term for this was “mirrors with memories,” often used for postmortem photos. According to Mental Floss, these photos were part of an elaborate mourning ritual, which was a way to celebrate the life of their loved ones. However, death was prevalent during this time, as people did not have access to the advanced treatments that we have today.

Some folks are completely freaked out by postmortem photos, though they are making a comeback. Another way to honor their memory is through a scrapbook. You can share pictures of them in life and some of their happiest moments.

7. Have a Celebration of Life

A celebration of life is much different than a funeral, and many people are skipping the funeral and going straight to the celebration. The atmosphere is charged and the people happier. You often see these events after the cremation since there’s no going to the graveyard or any of the formal funeral happenstances.

8. Write a Song or Poem

Writing a song or poem is a great way to put your feelings on paper. The song can be reported directly to or about them. Since technology has made it effortless to share your artistic side with the world, you may get a viral hit.

9. Create an Online Memorial

Most funeral homes have online memorial pages where people can go and talk about their memories of those who’ve passed. However, these are a bit more on the informal side. It costs very little to set up a webpage where people can go and post pictures and tell stories about someone who meant so much who’s passed on.

10. Complete Their Mission

You can honor someone’s legacy who’s passed by carrying on their mission. Did they help the homeless and desire to set up a shelter in your area? Then why not finish their work? When they look down from above, make them smile by carrying on their legacy.

11. Create a Slideshow

Slideshows have become popular in recent years. Ask all your family and friends to send you a copy of photos with your loved one or friend in them. Using a simple app online, you can have their photos scroll while listening to their favorite tunes.

Reliving some of these great moments can provide closure. Plus, you can share it with folks near and far who would like to see these clips.

12. Write A Goodbye Letter

Many times, there are unresolved issues or feelings between you and someone who has passed. Since life isn’t perfect, there are occasions where you might not be on the best terms. Writing a goodbye letter is a great way to get all that pain and heartache from the inside to the outside.

Once you vocalize it, you can work on the healing process. Even if you were on excellent terms, a letter telling them goodbye could help you heal. Many people will write it, and they will burn it at the time of their death.

Doing it outside under the stars adds another element of being close to the heavens. It’s an excellent way to get out all the pain you feel without involving anyone else.

Final Thoughts on Honoring a Loved One’s Legacy

There are plenty of ways to honor the legacy of someone who’s passed. However, if you ever feel the grief and pain are too much for you to bear, you need to talk to someone. Trained counselors are well-versed in handling these delicate matters, and they can help you in these difficult times.

You should know that the pain won’t go away overnight, but time does lessen the grief you feel. One day, you will be able to share their stories and history without bursting into tears. Their memories will comfort you on some of the darkest days, but better days are ahead.

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